Emerging evidence for preoperative anaemia screening and blood health optimisation for paediatric surgical patients

Heidi M Meyer1, Susan M Goobie2

  • 1Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University of Cape Town, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.

BJA Open
|February 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Preoperative anaemia is a frequent issue in children undergoing elective surgery, especially in lower-income countries. This highlights the need for better anaemia screening and patient blood management in paediatric care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Hematology
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Preoperative anaemia is a significant concern in pediatric surgical patients.
  • Its prevalence is notably high in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Anaemia affects children even without comorbidities.

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